The Alternative Break and Service Learning trips give students the opportunity to embark off-campus with peers, engage in community service, and gain an understanding of pertinent social issues through experiential learning.

Colgate students at Pathfinder VIllage

Alternative Break Trips are organized twice a year during winter and spring break for any student interested in community-based learning. Through these experiences the COVE strives to train students as leaders and advocates for social change. Students are encouraged to take an active role in applying for and leading trips that challenge their perspective of the world. 

 

Winter 2024 Alternative Break Opportunities

The Navajo Nation

Tuba City, Arizona (January 14th - 20th) 
Trip Fee: $400 - Financial Aid Available

Through this program, participants will have the opportunity to learn about Navajo life and culture, work on a community-led service project, and explore the natural beauty of the area. Cultural and recreational activities may include visiting cultural museums, exploring nearby national landmarks, and learning from local Navajo about family land use, traditional arts, and sampling traditional food. Our partners have strong relationships with grassroots organizations that work on cultural learning, tribal government and leadership, and social support including food banks and donated home necessities. Participants will leave with a strengthened capacity to identify and address opportunities to develop, support, and advocate for change in their home communities. 

Applications are due by midnight on Thursday, October 5th.

Spring 2024 Alternative Break Opportunities

Pathfinder Village

Edmeston, NY (March 11th - 15th, 2024)
Trip Fee: $50- Financial Aid Available

Pathfinder Village is a caring community offering independence to people living with Down Syndrome and developmental disabilities. Volunteers will take part in a five-day inclusive team building program designed to build shared learning, mentoring, and coaching relationships between Pathfinder Village Otsego Academy students and college age peers. Student volunteers will work with residents on a variety of activities and live on site at the Pathfinder Inn. These may include a ropes course, photography projects, cooking, and planning a St. Patrick's Day event for other residents. The goals of this trip are to build relationships with Pathfinder staff and residents while providing the organization with valuable service that will impact the lives of participants for years to come.

Habitat for Humanity

Winston-Salem, NC (March 10th - 16th, 2024)
Trip Fee: $400- Financial Aid Available

Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Partnering with first-time homebuyers, Habitat affiliates around the world construct houses that are safe, decent, and affordable. Whenever possible, Habitat builds energy-efficient, sustainable housing and works to improve blighted properties. Through its no-profit, no-interest, mortgage loans Habitat for Humanity helps solve the global housing crisis. 

Students will be partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, NC  in direct service on residential construction sites to help build affordable homes and complete critical home repairs. Volunteers will be working side by side with a construction manager who will guide them through the process. No previous construction experience needed. Throughout the week students will have the opportunity to reflect on the landscape of affordable housing and compare the strengths and limitations of policy solutions.

Applications are due by midnight on Sunday, February 11, 2024. 

 

Colgate students in New York City on an immersion trip

Non-Profit Immersion Trip

The COVE, Center for Career Services, and the Common Good Professional Network traditionally host a two-day, non-profit immersion trip to New York City during the January winter break period. 

The trip provides an overview of the non-profit sector. Through site visits, alumni career stories, and networking opportunities, participants will learn about career options within the field, see different offices and organizational cultures from the inside-out, and network with alumni.